March 8th marks International Women’s Day. It is dedicated to honouring the achievements of women, raising gender equality awareness, and promoting global empowerment of women. This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion. In BC, we embrace diversity and recognize the invaluable contributions of women from all walks of life. Here, we’ll detail how people will be celebrating International Women’s Day and Diversity in Canada.
A Tapestry of Diversity
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity among women in the country. Canadian women represent a multitude of cultures and ethnicities, each bringing their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to the forefront. This diversity enriches the fabric of Canadian society and contributes to innovation, creativity, and progress across various sectors.
The Power of Inclusion
Embracing diversity is a strategic advantage. Organizations and institutions benefit from inclusion and environments where women from diverse backgrounds thrive. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better. By embracing diversity and inclusion, businesses can tap into the full potential of its workforce. This helps drive economic growth, and foster social cohesion.
Championing Gender Equality
Women’s Day serves as a call for action, sparking conversations about gender parity and advocating for meaningful change. In Canada, women continue to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and demand equal rights and opportunities. There is still plenty of work to be done. This includes closing the gender pay gap, promoting women’s leadership, and representation in decision-making roles.
Ways You Can Participate in International Women’s Day
On this International Women’s Day, celebrate the achievements of women around the world. Build a future where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and respected. Here are a few ways you can celebrate and recognize women and their contributions to our society:
- Girls and STEAM: Career Path Adventures on International Women’s Day. Explore the unexpected twists and turns that three local STEAM leaders have experienced along their career paths. In this 45-minute journey (linked with our new feature exhibition, Dream Tomorrow Today), you’ll learn how these women found success despite various challenges. March 8 | 11:00 – 11:45am | Science World, or Online
- Women in STEM. The Consulates General of France, Germany and Switzerland in Vancouver invite you to the BCIT Tech Collider. This will be an engaging evening filled with thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities. You can connect with STEM researchers and industry professionals, ask questions during our panel discussion, and get inspired! Learn about study, research, and work opportunities in STEM fields for young women in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada. March 6 | 5:00 – 7:00pm | Tech Collider – BCIT Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street Vancouver, BC
- Women in Leadership: Digital Innovators: In celebration of International Women’s Day, BrainStation ishosting a conversation with female leaders in our community. Join them to hear these female leaders share insights from their career journeys including how they have advanced in their careers, the impact of mentorship and how to break into the digital space. They will be sharing stories from various companies and understanding how we can make an impact in the tech community. March 8 | 6:00 – 8:30pm | 455 Granville Street #400 Vancouver, BC
- Strong Women in Literature Breakfast / Petit Déjeuner Littéraire | Femmes fortes dans la littérature: Célébrons ces femmes qui nous inspirent, qu’il faut écouter, qui accomplissent des actions extraordinaires ou qui rendent le quotidien meilleur, et toutes celles qui défendent l’égalité à leur manière ! Quelles sont vos écrivaines préférées ou les héroïnes qui ont marqué vos lectures ? Quels livres avez-vous envie de conseiller à d’autres lecteur·e·s ? Rejoignez-nous autour d’un croissant et d’une boisson chaude pour en discuter!
Let’s celebrate the women who inspire us, who accomplish big things or make everyday life better, and all those who defend equality in their own way! Who are your favourite heroines or women writers? What books would you recommend to other readers? Join us for a croissant and a hot drink to talk about it! March 9 | 10:00 – 11:00am | Alliance Française, 855 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, Unit 200
- International Women’s Day Reads: The Burnaby Public Library has curated a list of biographies of and works about women whose achievements have made a mark in their communities and the world. You can find books at libraries throughout BC.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at NewToBC.